Discovering Genesis, Part 13 Series

Discovering Genesis, Part 13

Genesis 12:1-9

Introduction

- This morning we examined the people of Babel; and their rebellion to God

- Prayerfully, we also saw the challenge in ourselves as well through them

- Our response to God is most important when we think of worship

- It is because of the Holy Spirit that we have grace and unity in Christ

- The Kingdom opportunities are limitless in our society to serve the Lord

- Our church: SS teachers; more children’s ministry workers; outreach director; and even an evangelism team director

- When we come into this place it must be to serve and worship God

- Our lives are to be about Him; and Him alone … because He is God

- Take an example from our friends at Babel, we cannot assume we are all that

- What we can SAY is that we aren’t dead yet; so we aren’t done serving

- This evening, we are going to begin our study of Abraham and his life

- While we are not going to chapter/verse through his life

- We are going to see several very important aspects of his life

- I’d like to challenge you to see how each of these applies to your life

- As I’ve said throughout this entire study of Genesis (4 months) has been:

- When we confront scripture, it MUST cause a change in our lives

- APP: If we do not study the scriptures for change, why would we bother?

- Go with me to Genesis, Chapter 12, and let’s examine the first chapter

- Read Genesis 12:1-9

- Pray

Point 1 – Hearing and Moving (1-6)

- The end of Genesis 11 shows how Abram came to be Harran

- However, they were initially headed for Canaan; but didn’t go there

- (We discussed this earlier regarding the curse of Noah’s son)

- Along the way, Abram met Sarai whom he married but she was childless

- Gen 11:30 tells us she was unable to conceive; she was barren w/o children

- While living in Harran God spoke to Abram after 75 years of living there

- Now, let’s pick up the story where we are today in the life of Abram

- Recognizing God’s voice

-- Notice that the first thing we see is that God spoke, and Abram heard

-- This is a unique position that we see in the life of Abram; already following God

-- And so, when God spoke; there was an immediate recognition by Abram

-- Challenge: Can you and I say the same? Do we hear/recognize God’s voice?

- What Abram hears though is more than a text message type of translation

- Abram gets the full script and promise of his life revealed to him in 2 sentences

- (v2-3) “I” will do these things; the great “I AM” is responsible and in charge

- The promise here is God saying, “I am in charge, and so I will take care of you”

- Obeying God’s voice to move

-- (v4) So, Abram went because God spoke and gave him instruction

-- Many today might wonder, “So where’s my instruction from God?” (Bible)

- APP: We’ve already been giving our instructions; obedience is a choice

-- It is a choice to obey the Lord fully; and to not do so is also a choice we make

- Abram took all he had and left

-- (v5) Abram took all he had, at the young age of 75, and off he went

-- In tow he has his wife and his nephew, Lot, whom plays into the story later

-- (v6) They left to go to Canaan, and brought everything they owned with them

- This was not a weekend trip; or even a summer journey; it’s life changing

- Take all your possessions, pack up the truck, it’s time to move completely

- We’ve been given this same encouragement to move by Jesus as well

-- Matthew 4:19, “Come, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

- This is not a coincidence, God calls and expects movement from all

- TRANS: Notice the response then of Abram when he obeys and moves

Point 2 – God is Faithful (7-9)

- (v7) God promises to Abram all that his descendants will inherit

-- This is a covenant that God makes with Abram for his obedience

-- Much like Noah found grace in the eyes of God; so did Abram

-- This following; this obedience; this earnest response is our calling as well

- And because of his obedience what did Abram do? Built an altar

-- Just like Noah did when he came out of the Ark; he worshiped the Lord

- (v8) Abram continued to stretch out his tent stakes